(Frankfort, KY) Tens of thousands of Kentuckians will be “voting in honor of a veteran” this fall, and there is still time for individuals to sign up to participate in the program before the November 4, 2008 election.The Vote in Honor of a Veteran program is a program sponsored by the Office of Secretary of State Trey Grayson.

“The enthusiasm for this voting initiative is simply overwhelming,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson.“I am especially delighted for those veterans who deserve this honor and recognition.Their sacrifice protects our democratic process.Although we will never be able to repay them for their efforts, this is a small way that we can give tribute to their service for our country.”

The program, an initiative designed to increase voter participation by honoring the service of America’s military men and women, has two main components.The first are personalized buttons that citizens can wear on Election Day to honor their favorite veterans.Buttons can be acquired by visiting most local CountyClerk’s offices, or citizens may submit a request online at the Office of the Secretary of State website.To date, over 100,000 buttons have been distributed.

In particular, the Vote in Honor of a Veteran buttons have been enormously popular with citizens, election officials, and veterans alike.In fact, thousands of additional buttons have been sent to various veterans groups who have also asked to help promote the program.

"I'm very much in support of it," local AMVETS Post Commander Gene Hook told the Maysville Independent Ledger when the program was launched shortly before the 2007 primary election. "I think it's an exceptionally good idea."

The second component of the program allows individuals to honor veterans by visiting the tribute gallery where visitors can read stories and tributes from the friends and families who have elected to honor their loved ones through the simple act of voting.Citizens can also submit a written tribute about the individual that they have chosen to honor with their vote. Selected tributes will be posted in the online testimony gallery or collected for the archives of the Kentucky Historical Society.

“I am hopeful that many more individuals will share their stories about their favorite veteran. I especially want to encourage veterans themselves to comment about their experiences on our tribute page.That is what makes this program unique; it allows us to preserve these memories for generations to come,” noted Grayson.

Grayson is optimistic that the program will draw more attention to the general election.“We are hearing from a number of clerks and participants in the program that individuals stop and ask them about the buttons.It is a great opportunity to remind citizens to vote on November 4, 2008.”

For more information about the new program, to order a personalized button, or to leave a tribute to a veteran, please visit: www.sos.ky.gov/veterans.